Autumn is one of the best times of year to enjoy the UK's incredible wildlife -- and the Lake District offers some of the most breathtaking backdrops to do so.
As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, squirrels can be seen foraging for winter supplies, deer enter their dramatic rutting season, and birds begin their long migrations. Against the region's famous autumnal landscapes, it's a picture-perfect time for nature lovers to explore.
According to Lakes-based holiday cottage company Wheelwrights, the Lake District is "one of the UK's best gems for stunning landscapes, rich history and fantastic experiences for all the family". Managing Director Jerry Rebbeck recommends the national park as an "excellent place to spot wildlife" especially during the autumn months.
For those hoping to glimpse red squirrels, he advises visiting Allan Bank in Grasmere, alongside Whinlatter Forest and Dodd Wood in Keswick. Whinlatter Forest also provides sanctuary to badgers, foxes and roe deer, making it a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts.
Martindale, situated near Ullswater, offers exceptional opportunities to observe red deer during autumn, where a herd has resided for more than three centuries. Whilst the deer forest centres on The Nab, they wander across various fells including Mardale and Kentmere, the M.E.N. reports.
October marks rutting (breeding) season for red deer, with crisp early mornings and dusky evenings providing the perfect opportunity to hear the distinctive bellow of the males. With some luck, visitors might witness them locking antlers in combat.
While not a stereotypical autumn animal, seals can also be seen close to the Lake District. South Walney Nature Reserve in Barrow-in-Furness is home to the region's only breeding colony of grey seals. Between October and December, you could even see a seal pup.
Another semi-aquatic creature to look out for are otters, which can be spotted along the river bank of the River Kent in Kendal and at Derwentwater.
The coast of Barrow-in-Furness is also an excellent spot to see flocks of migrating birds from Foulney Island, which is formed entirely of pebbles. The most notable bird is the Oystercatcher, which can be seen in their thousands.
The island is managed by Cumbria Wildlife Trust, making it a haven for coastal birds, and other birds that can be spotted in the area are great-crested grebe, red-breasted merganser, cormorant, and common scoter. Autumn is also when the purple and yellow sea aster flowers, making for a beautiful and vibrant display.
Jerry said: "For a truly memorable family-friendly staycation, the Lake District is an unbeatable choice for wildlife lovers of all ages, especially those wanting to spot some of the rarest species such as the red squirrel. .
"The options for a day out are endless in the autumn months, you can take the kids on a morning trip to Whinlatter Forest to observe the Red Squirrels at their feeding stations, or head to the coast to spot Grey Seal pups at South Walney Nature Reserve. If you are an early riser, getting to Martindale to see the rutting stags is a wonderful experience.
"Basing yourself in any of the key villages in the national park, such as Ambleside and Langdale, allows you to get to all the places mentioned to spot the beautiful local wildlife."